NK Hits the Polls to Decide on $6.4 Million School Bond

The fate of a will be decided as voters hit the polls for today’s special election.

The bond would help replace the failing roof at to the tune of $3 million, along with other repairs to make certain schools compliant with ADA regulations and state building codes.

“I think it’s important that the buildings these kids go to for their schooling need to be up to code and safe,” said Frank Selmanie, a North Kingstown resident and bus contractor in the district. “We definitely have to approve something to rehabilitate these buildings.”

Selmanie’s sentiments, however, are not shared by everyone as homemade signs in opposition to the measure sit nearby polling locations. One sign outside Davisville Middle School reads “We owe. We owe. Vote no,” while another outside Cold Spring Community Center reads, “Say no to the bond…why hurry bankruptsy (sic)??? Vote no.”

“What comes after this $6.4 million bond? Another one after that?” said Jim McGuire, head of the North Kingstown GOP Town Committee.

By 11:30 a.m. today, fewer than 500 residents had cast their vote between the two polling locations – 220 at Davisville Middle School and 270 at Cold Spring Community Center. Though the numbers are relatively low, voters still have until 8 p.m. to get to their polling location.

“This feels busier than the last special election,” said Robert Babat, moderator for the polls at Cold Spring Community Center. At the last election back in September, only 1,795 votes were cast – a mere nine percent for voter turnout.

Still need to vote? Check out our .

Check back with North Kingstown Patch for updates as they become available.